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Computer Science > Multiagent Systems

Title:
Emergence Explained

Abstract: Emergence (macro-level effects from micro-level causes) is at the heart of
the conflict between reductionism and functionalism. How can there be
autonomous higher level laws of nature (the functionalist claim) if everything
can be reduced to the fundamental forces of physics (the reductionist
position)? We cut through this debate by applying a computer science lens to
the way we view nature. We conclude (a) that what functionalism calls the
special sciences (sciences other than physics) do indeed study autonomous laws
and furthermore that those laws pertain to real higher level entities but (b)
that interactions among such higher-level entities is epiphenomenal in that
they can always be reduced to primitive physical forces. In other words,
epiphenomena, which we will identify with emergent phenomena, do real
higher-level work. The proposed perspective provides a framework for
understanding many thorny issues including the nature of entities, stigmergy,
the evolution of complexity, phase transitions, supervenience, and downward
entailment. We also discuss some practical considerations pertaining to systems
of systems and the limitations of modeling.